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The kids the system couldn't squish
wriggle out like jam between the toes
of its stomping feet
Intelligent, inquisitive,
their options are
rise out
or be smushed
and processed
and auctioned off to universities
like salted meat
The kids the system couldn't squish
know where they're going
and if they don't they don't care
destination isn't the point
learning is their only care
The kids the system couldn't squish
breathe fresh air
while their age-mates
are locked away
destined to memorize all their "vocabulaire"
The kids the system couldn't squish
the number grows by day
and incubates by night
as an idea in the minds of other kids
who know they've lost their way
if they stay in a system
and become toejam
- a system that doesn't care anyway -
The kids the system couldn't squish
own their days and own their lives
they know how to live
and won't settle for dictations
or positive affirmations from teachers
they seek the universe
The kids the system couldn't squish
keep oozing out from between the toes
of the system's stomping feet
while classmates get ground to a mental pulp
on the ground of defeat.

~ Laura